Titles in This Set:
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates
Tom Gates: Excellent Excuses (And Other Good Stuff)
Tom Gates: Everything's Amazing (sort of)
Tom Gates: Genius Ideas (mostly)
Tom Gates is Absolutely Fantastic (at some things)
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
Overview:
Dive into five laugh-out-loud diary adventures with Tom Gates, the irrepressible everykid whose world is drawn in doodles as much as it is written in witty words. This Tom Gates Series 1 Collection brings together five early chapter-book delights in a single, portable paperback set: The Brilliant World of Tom Gates, Tom Gates: Excellent Excuses (And Other Good Stuff), Tom Gates: Everything's Amazing (sort of), Tom Gates: Genius Ideas (mostly), and Tom Gates is Absolutely Fantastic (at some things). Tom’s notes, cartoons, and remarks from his long-suffering teacher create a lively, immersive reading experience that feels like paging through a friend’s notebook. The voice is warm, cheeky, and deeply relatable—perfect for confident younger readers and older reluctant readers alike who crave quick laughs, a touch of chaos, and heart. With its compact format and fearless doodles, this collection is ideal for family reading time, classroom libraries, or gifting to budding readers ready to embark on a playful reading journey.
What Makes This Collection Special:
What unites these five titles is Tom’s distinctive blend of diary-style storytelling, cartoon panels, and candid day-to-day humor. The collection offers a cohesive reading arc: mischief, school life, friendships, and family dynamics wrapped in instantly legible text and eye-catching drawings. Readers can enjoy each book separately or binge-read the whole set, discovering how Tom’s imagination turns ordinary moments into extraordinary, giggle-filled adventures. The consistency of tone, pace, and visual humor creates a reliable, comforting reading habit—one that invites independent readers to chase the next page with anticipation. Beyond pure entertainment, the set fosters creativity, resilience, and a lighthearted perspective on everyday challenges—qualities that make it a thoughtful gift and a welcome addition to any bookshelf.
Books Included in This Collection:
The Brilliant World of Tom Gates
This debut sparkles with Tom’s world: doodles, late homework excuses, and a boy-next-door charm that invites readers to laugh with him, not at him. The diary-style format, paired with lively illustrations, makes complex ideas feel simple and approachable. Tom’s voice is approachable and warm, offering gentle empathy for school-life dramas while celebrating the sparks of creativity that turn ordinary days into adventures. It’s a perfect doorway into the series for new readers, setting the tone for a series that prizes wit, heart, and an unmistakable cartoony energy.
Tom Gates: Excellent Excuses (And Other Good Stuff)
In this diary, Tom maps out clever antics and quirky plans to navigate homework, siblings, and the occasional dentist appointment. The humor remains buoyant and fast-paced, with doodles punctuating text and bursting off the page. Tom’s misadventures—like mastering the art of “excuses” and coordinating with friends—offer laughs, relatable chaos, and a gentle reminder that creativity can keep school days afloat. The blend of narrative and visual elements makes this second entry a compelling step for readers building confidence in longer stories.
Tom Gates: Everything's Amazing (sort of)
Back at school, Tom’s world grows larger with new events—a dog show, a school disco, birthdays, and Delia’s clever schemes. The diary format keeps readings breezy, while the cartoons heighten the emotional beats. Readers will enjoy the rapid-fire humor, the sense of a close-knit circle of classmates, and Tom’s earnest attempts to navigate growing up. This title sustains the fun energy that makes the series a reliable, enjoyable bridge between picture books and chapter books for early readers.
Tom Gates: Genius Ideas (mostly)
Tom’s world expands with his (mis)adventures in creativity and competition. A fitness regimen from Dad, a new band practice, and the ever-present DOGZOMBIES shenanigans keep energy high. The storytelling remains breezy and accessible, while the humor lands with warmth and wit. Readers meet supporting characters who feel recognisable and friendly, inviting them to stay with Tom through another round of doodled pages and light-hearted chaos that happily stretches the imagination without ever becoming overwhelming.
Tom Gates is Absolutely Fantastic (at some things)
An “activity break” promises adventure, but also the risk of group dynamics and the dreaded Marcus Meldrew. Tom’s attempts to keep Delia from painting his room in wild colours evoke family dynamics that feel familiar to many readers. The blend of antics, art, and everyday moments lands with a comforting rhythm: quick pacing, punchy humor, and a sense that Tom, with his doodles, is navigating childhood’s big moments with optimism and a grin.
Who This Set Is Perfect For:
Ideal for children aged 7–11 and confident younger readers who enjoy quick, humorous reads with cartoon illustrations. This collection is a fantastic gift for fans of funny diaries, school-day adventures, and bookish humor. It also makes an excellent classroom or library addition, encouraging reluctant readers to pick up a story because it looks and feels inviting. For families, this set is a go-to option for shared reading time; for BookTok fans, the doodle-heavy art and buoyant tone offer plenty of shareable moments and enthusiasm to spark conversations about reading.
Key Benefits:
- Humour-driven, diary-style adventures that are easy to dive into
- Engaging cartoons and doodles that support text and aid comprehension
- Five books in one collection for binge reading and extended enjoyment
- Perfect for reluctant or developing readers building reading confidence
- Consistent voice and artwork across the series for a cohesive reading journey
- Compact paperback format ideal for travel, school bags, and bedtime reading
About the Author:
Liz Pichon is the British author-illustrator behind the Tom Gates series, celebrated for blending diary-style narration with playful cartoons. Her distinctive voice and visual humor create a reading experience that feels personal and inviting, inviting readers to join Tom on his everyday adventures. The collaboration of witty text and expressive drawings makes the books approachable for emerging readers while still entertaining more seasoned chapter-book fans. Readers value the approachable tone, the warmth, and the authentic, light-hearted treatment of school-life and family moments that echo many children’s real experiences.
Why You’ll Love This Set:
Owning the complete Tom Gates Series 1 Collection offers a complete, relatable reading journey—from the first page to the latest laugh. The five-in-one package delivers consistent humor, character-driven stories, and a visually engaging format that makes reading fun again for kids discovering chapter books. It’s a superb gift for birthdays, holidays, or back-to-school inspiration, and a strong confidence-builder for readers moving from picture books to longer stories. The set also provides a cohesive library-ready collection that looks polished on a shelf and delivers reliable, repeatable reading pleasure for years to come.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
